What or who motivates you when it comes to exercising?
Me: * The thought/goal of getting in shape and losing weight, and the thought of all the pretty clothes I'll be able to wear in a few months... * The feeling I get when exercising - a good feeling, mostly
* Friends (JennyB is an amazing motivator! (), and my boyfriend who says he's proud of me * This board - this is actually the only workout "diary" I have, so I always make sure I post my WOTD * The nice long shower afterwards! I have a "luxury" shower gel which I always use after a workout, as a reward.
* Knowing that it's good for me
Also, what really helps me, is that I don't really think that much about it - I just do it. I try to exercise every day, and as I live next to the gym, I just change at home and run across the street two minutes before class starts. I've been trying to exercise regularly for years, but I never made it until last year. I always planned it too much and made too big a deal out of it, plus I didn't really have fun because I basically forced myself into doing it - and when I failed, I felt very bad about it all and quit. (Sounds familiar? )
How about you guys?
"If you have a library and a garden, you have everything you need." -- Cicero.
("And if you also have an iPod loaded with Bach and Brahms, you'll be happy forever." -- Audrey_H)
1. My health. I hurt my back doing kickboxing two years ago and it hasn't been the same since. I've been doing more core work lately so that my back is well supported.
2. My health. Ever since hurting my back, I've realized that there are tons of places we can hurt ourselves permanently. Hips, knees, shoulders... My knees hurt sometimes, my hips hurt when I skate... My shoulders are still OK My functional fitness workouts help strengthen my stabilizer muscles and they help protect my joints.
3. My health! (I had to seperate my three health reasons because they're all very important to me.) I want to be a vivacious old lady someday and working out is key to good quality of life later on in life.
4. It makes me more energetic in my daily life. I'm able to do more things, I'm stronger, more flexible, etc. I go crazy whenever I can do something new and I have to show off to DH right away He got to see a teaser once, boat pose with ankles held (not flexible or strong enough for foot hold yet), and sitting on the stability ball with feet off the floor.
5. My looks. I have gained a bit of weight (my clothes still fit though) in the last year and I'd like to lose it but it's not that important to me right now. However, I know that, if I stopped working out, my arms, legs, and back would turn to flab and I would gain weight really fast. Even with a bit of extra weight on me, I can see the definition in my shoulders, legs, and back when I move and that's verrrry important to me.
6. Reporting back here and visiting the videofitness forums. Being around people who are enthusiastic makes me more enthusiastic too. Especially the fact that we're not competitive. My sister is a little bit competitive about working out and makes it all about her all the time and sucks the fun out of it for me. I like the sharing, encouraging atmosphere here and on videofitness.
I started working out seven years ago, being totally lazy and feeble up till then. So I've really noticed differences over the years. Here are my top reasons:
1. My health. I used to have very stiff joints that occasionally ached, I couldn't stand up for longer periods of time, I wasn't very flexible. All of that has improved immensely.
2. My energy level. I'm more alert during the days now, and even though working out takes up a lot of time in the evenings, I have the energy to do even more stuff.
3. I love the feeling of being able to push through really tough classes! Getting better at things (heavier weights, going for longer periods, getting more flexible and getting better balance) feels so good too!
4. I love the stretch and shower afterwards.
5. I miss my workouts when I've been sick or busy. My body craves action!
6. Being in shape and looking good. Yes, yes, I love seeing myself in the mirror. Actually, I've gained a few pounds since last summer, and I want to get them off again. But I don't want to list that as a separate reason. Too depressing.
7. Meeting friends in the classes. After a few years, you get friendly with some of the instructors and participants. I like seeing them, even if I don't even talk to them every week. When I broke my arm and couldn't go for a month, this was what I missed the most.
8. My secret agent fantasy... Whenever I watch Alias, 24 or G.I. Jane, I think "I want to be able to do that!"
9. I really enjoy posting my WOTD:s here! It makes them more concrete. I also write them down in my Filofax.
Since I'm an exercise convert myself, I want to get as many others as possible to feel this joy of working your body. I'm so glad if I can motivate someone.
1. My health. My family has a long history of diabetes, so I want to stay in shape for my health.
2. The way it makes me feel. I feel so yucky on days when I do nothing.
3. My boyfriend. He is in the most amazing shape. He works out and he eats very well (no sugar). Just looking at him is motivation. I want him to always find me sexy and beautiful.
4. My dad. He is amazing. After my mom died, he sat on the couch for almost two years. Then one day, he just decided that he was still young and had to get off his butt. He started taking a walk around the block and he is now up to 5-7 miles daily.
5. My friends at VF. They are incredible. They all have very busy lives and still make time for themselves to workout. They have accomplished so much - I am constantly in awe.
I wasn't going to answer this poll at first, if only because I've been unmotivated myself for quite some time.
I think things will get better soon because the weather is changing. I'm a hot-weather person and it seems to me that when I was at least taking uphill walks, it was when the weather was nice and hot.
In the days when I did go to the gym, I was lucky enough to have an exercise buddy--the old man. Not that we exercised together, but it was much easier putting on gym clothes and getting out to the gym with a partner.
What I wanted to say is that I'm so happy that everyone here is supportive and encouraging of each other. That is very important.
There is no one right way of getting in shape and building strength. The fact that you're trying, is always better than not trying at all.
There now even I feel a little bit motivated now. Hmmm...I'll see about taking the kids out somewhere today...
Green/hazel eyes, strawberryish blonde hair, medium, warmish, combination acne-prone skin. Everyday base face: tinted frankensunscreen, MAC Blot pressed powder in Medium, and Nars The Multiple in Malibu (bronzed rose).
In a word - clothes. I have accepted the fact that I do love clothes, but I'm at an age where I want less of them, but in better and sometimes more expensive cuts/fabrics. I'm starting to try and 'invest' more and spend less, and that means I have to keep on top of my size. Working out makes any attempt at weight management that much easier, and faster, and no question - I feel better. But at the end of the day its really about Armani. lol
"Real happiness is cheap enough; but how dearly we pay for its counterfeit." - H. Ballou
I agree with you about investing in quality clothes, and then wanting to stick with one size. Very good point! I'm in the process of finding that size right now.
...there is a cheap/practical aspect to it too, at least for me!
When you can wear smaller sizes, you can find clothes anywhere. You can wear both small and big sizes. So if there's a bargain, you can almost always take advantage of it...you don't have to be limited to only a few sizes or styles.
If you're on the track to gaining weight, you are also forced to keep buying new clothes. If you stay the same size, it's much cheaper in the long run.
Green/hazel eyes, strawberryish blonde hair, medium, warmish, combination acne-prone skin. Everyday base face: tinted frankensunscreen, MAC Blot pressed powder in Medium, and Nars The Multiple in Malibu (bronzed rose).
Previous
Index
Next
Threaded
Gym poll!
Edit
Reply
Quote
), and my boyfriend who says he's proud of me 
)
Re: Gym poll!
My functional fitness workouts help strengthen my stabilizer muscles and they help protect my joints.
He got to see a teaser once, boat pose with ankles held (not flexible or strong enough for foot hold yet), and sitting on the stability ball with feet off the floor.
Getting better at things (heavier weights, going for longer periods, getting more flexible and getting better balance) feels so good too!
Actually, I've gained a few pounds since last summer, and I want to get them off again. But I don't want to list that as a separate reason. Too depressing.
